Brexit Report

Anarchy in the U.K.: Labour Party Splits Over Brexit and Anti-Semitism

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party, listens to speakers at the Rally to Remain event on May 14, 2016 in London, England.

By Rob Stothard/Getty Images.

In the latest expression of Britain’s deepening political crisis, seven members of Parliament quit the Labour Party on Monday in objection to Jeremy Corbyn’s nebulous position on Brexit and his handling of anti-Semitism accusations. The M.P.s, who include Luciana Berger,Chuka Umunna, Chris Leslie, and Angela Smith, will now sit as independents in the House of Commons—a caucus they have titled, somewhat unimaginatively, “The Independent Group.” BuzzFeed News reports that there were originally around 30 Labour M.P.s in talks to leave the party, but the group splintered amid disagreements over strategy. At least one source suggested that there may be more resignations to come.

“It is time we dumped this country’s old-fashioned politics,” Umunna, a longtime Corbyn critic, declared at a press conference in Westminster. The independents are not, they claim, a new party. Instead, they hope to represent the swathes of voters left “politically homeless” as Brexit propels Labour and the Conservatives to opposing ideological poles. “If you are sick and tired of politics as usual then, guess what? So are we,” explained Umunna, who was once touted as possible Labour leader, himself. “We invite you to leave your parties and help us forge a new consensus on a way forward for Britain.”

The insurrection has been building for some time. Since Corbyn became party leader in 2015, centrist lawmakers have clashed with his leftist stance, which some depict as inflexible and intolerant. A recurring flashpoint has been claims that anti-Semitism has infiltrated Labour. “For my part, I have become embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party,” Berger said Monday. “I cannot remain in a party that I have today come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic. . . . I am leaving behind a culture of bullying, bigotry, and intimidation.” (Corbyn has previously apologized for comments that were deemed anti-Semitic and has vowed to root out “pockets” of anti-Semitism within the Labour Party.)

Brexit has exacerbated tensions between party factions. Corbyn, a well-known critic of the E.U., has declined to support a second referendum, which is backed by most of the dissenting seven. If he continues to hold firm in the face of a looming no-deal, there is a chance that other Corbyn critics might jump ship and join the Independent Group—although many will presumably still calculate that they have more power to resist from within. “I am disappointed that these M.P.s have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election and saw us increase our vote by the largest share since 1945,” Corbyn said Monday. “The Conservative Government is bungling Brexit while Labour has set out a unifying and credible alternative plan.”

It’s unclear whether Labour or the Conservatives face more resignations, or whether the Independent Group can scale up to represent something more substantial than ire and opposition. Much depends on what course Brexit negotiations take in the coming weeks. What is clear is that Britain’s two-party politics is buckling under the weight of Brexit, and that disunity is hurtling the country toward March 29 (Brexit Day) with no plan in sight. The Independent Group is right: Britain is increasingly populated by the politically homeless. Whether it can provide shelter for the disenfranchised is a different matter. Monday morning, the BBC accidentally broadcast the opinion of an unknown man commenting on the decision of the seven M.P.s. to defect. “Between this and Brexit we are actually fucked,” he said.